Should schools sell fast food ?

Should schools sell fast food ?

The fast-food industry is booming in almost all countries of the world. The businesses of Mc Donald’s, Dominoes Pizza and KFC have shown a continuous upward trend. As per the recent trends, McDonald's' yearly recorded revenue was $27.45 billion. So, on average that's 75.21 million per day which is skyrocketing, to say the least. There are fast food joints in every nook and corner. Nowadays we have fast-food corners in school cafeterias. I personally believe that Fast-food joints in school premises should not be encouraged and must be strictly prohibited in the school premises. Schools and Colleges should take a lead to ensure that children, students and teachers should bring home-cooked food in their tiffin boxes. The Statistics provided by the WHO (World Health Organisation) is not only damning but it is a high cause of concern as it states that around 30% of the world population are Obese or Overweight. In modern times, there has been an alarming increase in the number of obese children across the world in many countries. This essay is primed at focusing on the reason as to why fast food is having a detrimental effect on the younger generation. I will substantiate my essay with relevant points and examples to reinforce my opinion

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To begin with, Junk food is one of the primary reason for obesity. Obesity in almost all nations is growing like a pandemic. Most of the food served in cafeterias are Colas, French fries, Burgers, Pizzas, cookies etc. Most of these foods have a high amount of fats, sugars and are of zero nutritional value. Secondly, one of the main causes of obesity is eating unhealthy junk food like pizzas, burgers, cheese and aerated waters. Restaurants and fast food joints in cafeterias are developing rapidly all over the place offer lucrative discounts which only acts as an added incentive. Moreover, the lack of healthy eating habits coupled with a sedentary lifestyle with almost zero parental control has been the major factors contributing to obesity in children. Children in low- and middle-income countries are more vulnerable to inadequate prenatal, infant, and young child nutrition. At the same time,

These children are exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, energy-dense, and micro nutrient-poor foods, which tend to be lower in cost but also lower in nutrient quality. These dietary patterns, in conjunction with lower levels of physical activity, result in sharp increases in childhood obesity while under nutrition issu

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es remain unsolved. Effects of fast food are rising manifold:

·        Sugar rich diets cause health-related problems like diabetes and blood pressure at a very young age.

·        Increased BMI or Body Mass Index is a primary cause for Cardiovascular diseases, heart attack, stroke etc.

·        Cancers including colon, breast, ovary and kidney to name a few. Musculoskeletal disorders like arthritis and osteoarthritis.

·        High blood sugar, cholesterol and high triglyceride count is making matters worse.  

      Secondly, I do believe that most of the parents have become so much workaholic and career-driven that they spend little time on their loved ones. Career is definitely important but it does not take precedence over your young ones. Parents hand over allowances or Cards to their children as they cannot spare enough time. They become so busy in their careers that they do not bother as to how the allowances are spent, which is a very sad case. What is the use of money when we cannot save the life of our children. In severe cases, obesity can lead to death? Consuming fast food day in and day out becomes such an addiction that the body craves for fast food which is dangerous. I also believe that Parents need to take valuable time out for their kids and make healthy home-cooked food which includes salads, vegetables, cereals and fruits. Food cooked with a lot of care, with less oil is not only appetizing but also tasty and will definitely discourage children. Schoolteacher and Principals along with the Government should take steps to ensure that there are no fast food joints in the cafeteria or in the nearby vicinity of the school.

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           To encapsulate “Prevention is better than Cure”. A small effort will go a long way in making children realize the efforts and pain their parents take to bring them up, Schools might lose on profit but it will go a long way in making this world a healthier place to live. We cannot ban Fast food owing to the laws and regulations but we can definitely take steps to ensure that our children lead a healthy lifestyle.